PDP to Okpebholo: Stop Intimidating Opposition, Focus on Governance

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned what it describes as a shameful attempt by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices. This follows a statement issued by the Edo State Government, signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Samson Osagie, threatening legal action against PDP chieftain, Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, over comments he made on his personal Facebook page.
In a press release signed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party expressed “utter dismay” over the government's response to what it calls “factual and critical commentary” on the poor state of governance in the state.
According to the PDP, Ifaluyi-Isibor merely echoed the concerns of the party and the general public, highlighting the alleged failings of the current administration across sectors including education, healthcare, security, and the economy. Rather than address these issues, the state government has chosen to pursue intimidation tactics, the party alleges.
“The Attorney-General’s threat to sue Mr. Ifaluyi-Isibor for criminal defamation is both embarrassing and undemocratic,” the PDP stated. “Criticism is a vital component of any functioning democracy, and citizens have every right to hold their government accountable.”
The opposition party further accused the Okpebholo administration of being largely absent and ineffective, stating that the governor is “hardly ever around to superintend over the affairs of the state.” This absenteeism, according to the PDP, is the root cause of the state’s decline.
In a pointed rebuke, the party questioned why the Attorney-General, who was once suspended by the same government he now represents for alleged “grave financial and administrative infractions,” did not initiate any legal challenge at the time.
“It is ironic that Mr. Osagie has now found his voice to threaten a citizen simply for demanding accountability,” the PDP stated. “If there is anyone who ought to seek legal redress, it is he, not against opposition voices, but for how he himself was treated by the same administration.”
The PDP concluded by calling on the Edo State Government to stop wasting public resources on suppressing criticism and instead channel its efforts toward delivering governance in the limited time it has left in office.
“Edo is a democracy, not a dictatorship,” the statement read. “No amount of intimidation or legal threats will suppress the truth or the right of citizens to demand good governance.”
Signed: Dr. Tony Aziegbemi Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee

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